Interview about Gearing International School of Debrecen, winner of the A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award 2020
The conceptual circle shape of the International School of Debrecen symbolizes protection, unity and community. The different functions appear like connected gears, pavilions on a string arranged on an arc. The fragmentation of space creates a variety of community areas between the classrooms. The novel space experience and the constant presence of nature help students in creative thinking and manifesting their ideas. The pathways leading to the offsite educational gardens and the forest complete the circle concept creating an exciting transition between the built and natural environment.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsBuildings born from strong concepts develop a strong identity that becomes part of everyday life. The circular form evokes ideas of unity, community and belonging. From the first encounter, students and parents can sense that this is a special place to be part of, where spatial organization actively supports social interaction and a shared educational experience.
The site is located on the outskirts of Debrecen, surrounded by small residential buildings and the agricultural facilities and gardens of the University of Debrecen. Here, the Great Forest no longer appears as an urban park, but as a truly natural woodland. The presence of the Natura 2000–protected forest is a powerful and humbling experience — one can immediately sense the strength and continuity of nature. This atmosphere fundamentally shaped our design approach.The curved mass of the building is positioned along the forest edge, establishing a clear dialogue between architecture and landscape. The outdoor communal areas are placed between the school and the forest, forming a transitional zone where community gardens, playgrounds, sports fields and pathways complement the building’s geometry. These landscape elements continue the arc initiated by the architecture, gradually dissolving it into the natural environment.At the point where the circular form and the forest intersect, we envisioned an organically evolving zone shaped over time by the school community itself. Through the creation of nature trails and outdoor learning spaces, this area encourages quiet observation of the forest and its local ecosystem. Rather than dominating nature, the school invites students to understand it — fostering a respectful, attentive coexistence that frames sustainability not only as a design principle, but as a lived educational experience.
Classrooms are arranged in two staggered rows along the inner and outer arc of the building, forming a pavilion-like system. The circulation corridor is located between these two rows, and where it widens in front of classroom entrances, naturally occurring interstitial spaces are created. These zones offer ideal settings for gathering, informal interaction, and small-group activities outside the traditional classroom environment.
The gymnasium is the largest space in the school, with an interior height of nearly 10 meters. We integrated this volume into the overall concept as a distinct architectural element, positioned at the focal point of the curved layout and partially sunk approximately five meters below ground level. By embedding the gymnasium into the terrain, we are able to take advantage of the natural insulating properties of the soil, allowing the space to be passively tempered throughout both winter and summer.Outdoor sports courts were created on the roof of the gymnasium, connected by bridges to the upper-level classrooms of the main building and by stairs directly to the courtyard. Through this spatial integration, the gymnasium’s volume became not only a functional sports facility, but also one of the key settings of the school’s communal life.
When our studio was founded 20 years ago, as a newly established practice, survival in the market depended on our ability to deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines. This mindset has remained a defining part of our studio culture ever since and has been naturally adopted by our younger colleagues as well.Regular participation in national and international design competitions keeps our team flexible, adaptive and focused. This competition-driven approach allowed us to maintain design integrity and innovation even within the tight timeframe of the International School of Debrecen.
We designed wide, bright circulation spaces and staircases that function as more than simple routes through the building. Seating surfaces, benches and informal learning corners are integrated organically into these aisles, creating places where students can gather, talk, play or work together as part of everyday movement through the school.In key areas, such as the entrance hall and the courtyard, we designed broader, stepped seating elements for larger groups, supporting collective activities and shared experiences. The classrooms themselves are based on an octagonal floor plan, a geometry that naturally directs attention toward the center while conveying a sense of equality. This spatial approach aligns with modern educational methodologies by encouraging interaction, inclusivity and flexible use of space beyond traditional frontal teaching models.
The recognition highlights a design approach where architectural innovation and educational functionality are inseparable. A coherent spatial concept, a strong connection to the unique forest setting, and a clear emphasis on community allow the school to function as both an efficient learning environment and a meaningful architectural identity. This balance was central to the project’s success.
The functions arranged in the courtyard — educational gardens and sports fields — complete the building’s curved form, extending it into a full circle. We aimed to leave the forest untouched while still showcasing its beauty. Where the arc of the school meets the forest, we designed nature trails that create a gentle, seamless transition from the built environment into the pristine woodland.
The school’s spaces, aligned with the circular motif symbolizing unity, protection, and equality, are open, bright, and spacious. Their connection to nature creates an inspiring environment that encourages empathy, collaboration, and open-minded thinking.
Natural light was prioritized primarily to enhance wellbeing and create a bright, inspiring learning environment. At the same time, sustainability measures were integrated: a ground-source heat pump provides efficient heating and cooling, and rainwater is collected to irrigate the gardens. Together, these strategies balance comfort, energy efficiency, and a healthy, uplifting atmosphere for students and staff.
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